Millenium Mills
The current (and derelict) Millenium Mills building dates back to 1934, built for Spillers Ltd, replacing the original mill constructed in 1905 for William Vernon & Sons millers (the mill was named after a blend of flour that won the 1899 'The Miller Challenge Cup'). The mill, and two neighbours, were sited on the dock to allow grain imported from oversea to be ground into flour as soon as possible. The mills were badly damaged in the Second World War, reopening in 1953 and continuing until the 1980s, the end brought about following the closure of the Royal Victoria Dock.
The Victoria Dock opened in 1855 (the 'Royal' was granted in 1880). This was the first dock designed to accommodate steam ships, the first with rail links to the national rail network and the first to use hydraulic machinery.
By 1860, the shipping was estimated to total 850,000 tonnes, larger than any of the other London ports. Although badly damaged throughout the Second World War, the Royal Victoria Docks were restored and returned to its former strength. The decline came in the 1960s with containerisation and larger ships shifting traffic to Tilbury. The docks closed in 1980.
Millenium Mills
The current (and derelict) Millenium Mills building dates back to 1934, built for Spillers Ltd, replacing the original mill constructed in 1905 for William Vernon & Sons millers (the mill was named after a blend of flour that won the 1899 'The Miller Challenge Cup'). The mill, and two neighbours, were sited on the dock to allow grain imported from oversea to be ground into flour as soon as possible. The mills were badly damaged in the Second World War, reopening in 1953 and continuing until the 1980s, the end brought about following the closure of the Royal Victoria Dock.
The Victoria Dock opened in 1855 (the 'Royal' was granted in 1880). This was the first dock designed to accommodate steam ships, the first with rail links to the national rail network and the first to use hydraulic machinery.
By 1860, the shipping was estimated to total 850,000 tonnes, larger than any of the other London ports. Although badly damaged throughout the Second World War, the Royal Victoria Docks were restored and returned to its former strength. The decline came in the 1960s with containerisation and larger ships shifting traffic to Tilbury. The docks closed in 1980.